Colostomies for two lizards with cloacal prolapse.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Reptile Surgery
• Herpetology

Background:

• Cloacal prolapse is a critical condition in reptiles, potentially leading to severe gastrointestinal complications.
• Previous surgical repair of cloacal prolapse does not always prevent long-term sequelae.
• Anorexia and absence of feces are key indicators of severe gastrointestinal distress in lizards.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of colostomy in managing severe distal colon and cloacal damage in two lizard species.
• To document the surgical outcomes, complications, and long-term prognosis for reptiles undergoing colostomy.

Main Methods:

• Case report detailing two captive-bred lizards: a Western spiny-tailed iguana (Ctenosaura pectinata) and a bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps).
• Diagnostic procedures included exploratory celiotomy under anesthesia.
• Surgical intervention involved creating colostomies to bypass damaged distal colon segments.

Main Results:

• The iguana presented with a devitalized distal colon, while the bearded dragon exhibited pelvic ductal organ stenosis.
• Both animals underwent colostomy; the primary complication was stomal stenosis, managed with dilation.
• Both lizards demonstrated successful weight gain post-surgery, with the iguana surviving to 2,152 days and the dragon to 1,792 days.

Conclusions:

• Colostomy is a viable surgical option for lizards with significant distal colon or cloacal compromise, provided urinary function is maintained.
• This procedure can lead to long-term survival and improved body condition in affected reptiles.
• Careful management of stomal complications is crucial for successful outcomes.